Munich’s Christmas Markets: Chinesischer Turm

The Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are in full swing, and I have taken on the responsibility of visiting all of the ones in Munich. In the name of scientific research of course. I know, it’s a big challenge, but I think I’m up for it.

First up, the market at Chinesischer Turm, everyone’s favorite biergarten in the middle of the Englischer Garten. It seemed like a strange place for a Christmas market, in the middle of a giant park. I mean, parks and sub-zero temperatures don’t exactly go together in everyone’s mind. Or do they? The markt was hopping when we visited Sunday afternoon, with long lines for some of the food and beverage stands. I enjoyed a mug of Heisser Weisser, hot mulled white wine, which was less sweet than red Glühwein. There was also a hot, alcoholic beverage on offer called Engelstrunk that we didn’t get a chance to try. I guess that means we need to go back. The Pfand (deposit) for the mugs was cheap at 2 euros, probably because the mugs themselves are nothing special.

Em and I also went for the Reiberdatschi – potato pancakes served with apple sauce, crème fraîche, or lox and crème fraîche. Good for when you need something heavy and greasy in your stomach to soak up some of that Glühwein.

Although it bills itself as “romantic”, the Chinesischer Turm Christmas market struck me more as “kid-friendly”. There were specific activities on offer for kids, a model train, and a scruffy-looking St. Nikolaus wandering around (who incidentally took the same bus home as us. Who knew St. Nick used public transport?). The booths were schilling the typical Christmas market crafts. All in all, a respectable Christmas market experience. Open daily through 23 December.